Caramel Apple Kringle Muffins

Tender apple muffins swirled with cinnamon and topped with a rich caramel glaze are inspired by classic Danish kringle flavors. These bakery-style muffins combine festive spice and indulgent caramel in every bite for the perfect fall treat.

The first time I baked these caramel apple kringle muffins, my kitchen filled with the sweet aroma of apples and cinnamon. I loved how the caramel glaze pooled into the crevices, just like traditional Danish kringle.

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour: 2 cups (240 g)
• Baking powder: 2 tsp
• Baking soda: 1/2 tsp
• Salt: 1/2 tsp
• Ground cinnamon: 1 tsp
• Ground nutmeg: 1/4 tsp
• Unsalted butter, softened: 1/2 cup (115 g)
• Granulated sugar: 3/4 cup (150 g)
• Eggs: 2 large
• Vanilla extract: 1 tsp
• Sour cream: 1/2 cup (120 ml)
• Whole milk: 1/4 cup (60 ml)
• Peeled, diced apple (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp): 1 1/2 cups (180 g)
• Light brown sugar: 1/4 cup (50 g)
• Ground cinnamon (swirl): 1 tsp
• Unsalted butter, melted (swirl): 1 tbsp
• Soft caramels, unwrapped: 1/2 cup (100 g)
• Heavy cream: 2 tbsp
• Pinch of salt (glaze): to taste

Instructions

Prep and preheat:

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease well.

Mix dry ingredients:

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

Cream butter and sugar:

In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla.

Add dairy:

Mix in sour cream and milk until just combined.

Combine with dry ingredients:

Gradually add dry ingredients to wet, mixing until almost incorporated. Fold in diced apples.

Prepare cinnamon swirl:

In a small bowl, combine all cinnamon swirl ingredients.

Layer and swirl batter:

Fill muffin cups halfway with batter. Add a small spoonful of cinnamon swirl to each, then top with remaining batter and another swirl of cinnamon mixture. Gently swirl with a toothpick.

Bake muffins:

Bake 20–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in pan 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack.

Make caramel glaze:

Melt caramels with cream and pinch of salt in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second bursts, stirring until smooth. Drizzle over cooled muffins.

Pin

My children help swirl the cinnamon mixture and eagerly await a warm muffin drizzled with gooey caramel, making this a sweet tradition in our home.

Required Tools

12-cup muffin tin, mixing bowls, hand or stand mixer, whisk, measuring cups and spoons, small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, toothpick

Allergen Information

Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, milk. May contain tree nuts if added as topping. Always verify caramel labels for potential allergens.

Nutritional Information (per muffin)

Calories: 260, Total Fat: 11 g, Carbohydrates: 38 g, Protein: 3 g

Pin

Share these caramel apple kringle muffins with loved ones while they're still warm. Their spice, apple, and caramel notes make every bite a delight.

Recipe Questions

→ What variety of apple works best?

Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp complement the sweet caramel and cinnamon flavors perfectly.

→ How do I achieve a distinct cinnamon swirl?

Layer half the batter, add cinnamon mixture, repeat with remaining batter, and gently swirl using a toothpick for marbled effect.

→ Can I make these ahead?

Yes, but they're best enjoyed fresh. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days for optimal texture and flavor.

→ What dairy substitutes are possible?

Greek yogurt can replace sour cream to maintain moistness and tang. Full-fat options yield the most tender muffins.

→ How do I make a smooth caramel glaze?

Melt soft caramels with heavy cream gently in the microwave, stirring in intervals until the mixture is creamy and smooth.

→ Are nuts necessary for this treat?

Nuts are optional; add chopped toasted pecans on top for extra crunch, or omit for a nut-free version.